Gazipur factory fire brought under control after 2.5 hours

Fire Service says the factory’s fire license had not been renewed

The fire at the Standard Phoenix Oil Co factory in Gazipur has come under control.

The fire was contained after two and a half hours of efforts by seven units, said Md Mamun, deputy assistant director of the Gazipur Fire Service.

The blaze started suddenly around 12:30pm on Wednesday.

Security staff, workers and officials tried to extinguish the flames, but when the fire spread, they alerted the Fire Service.

Thick smoke blanketed the surrounding area, plunging it into darkness and triggering panic among residents, who rushed to move their household belongings outside.

Factory AGM Sujit Biswas said: “Three sections of the factory caught fire. All the materials stored there have been burnt.”

The Fire Service said the factory’s fire licence had not been renewed.

Fire Service officer Mamun said no casualties have been reported as of 6pm.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage will be known following investigation.

Kazi Nazmuzzaman, assistant director of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, said: “The fire broke out in the section of the factory where mosquito coils are produced. The flames spread across the yard through the kerosene stored there.”

“As the fire grew, more units were deployed. The factory lacked the necessary fire prevention measures and a proper safety plan. Although it had a fire service licence, it had not been renewed.”